Sunroom Addition Costs, Value, and Considerations - A Homeowner's Guide

Sunrooms go by many names including porch enclosures, conservatories, patio rooms, solariums, and green rooms, and their possible configurations are even more numerous.

From a simple screened in deck to a climate controlled room built on a foundation, the only limits on a sunroom are your imagination and budget. .

Sunroom Addition Costs #

Sunrooms range from $15,000 to $50,000+ depending on size, materials and customization.

Materials

• Aluminum framing - $8 to $20 per sq ft
• Wood framing - $15 to $35 per sq ft
• Windows/glass - $10 to $25 per sq ft
• Roofing - $3 to $7 per sq ft
• Drywall & insulation - $3 to $5 per sq ft

Labor

• Carpentry work - $15 to $25 per sq ft
• Electrical/plumbing - $2 to $5 per sq ft
• Concrete foundation - $5 to $10 per sq ft

Total Sunroom Addition Cost

• Simple aluminum & polycarbonate - $20 to $40 per sq ft
• High-end wood & glass - $40 to $80 per sq ft
• Average mid-range sunroom - $30 to $60 per sq ft

Added Costs

• Permits - $500 to $2,000
• Architect fees for design - $1,500 to $5,000
• Removal of existing structure - $2,000 to $6,000

Real Life Sunroom Addition Cost Examples #

Here are some real-world examples of how much homeowners paid for sunroom additions:

• A homeowner in Colorado added a basic 14' x 16' aluminum and polycarbonate sunroom to the back of their home for $19,500 total.

• A family in Minnesota built a 20' x 22' high-end wood sunroom with custom windows and skylights for a total cost of $48,000.

• A retired couple in Florida converted their back patio into an 18' x 20' sunroom with glass walls, costing $36,000 including the foundation and electrical work.

• A homeowner in New York built a 16' x 12' sunroom addition with cedar framing, walls of windows and glass roof panels for $42,000 total.

• A family in California added a 24' x 16' sunroom to their back deck using pre-fabricated aluminum framing and acrylic panels for $28,000 installed.

• A DIY homeowner built a small 10' x 12' sunroom themselves using basic materials from the home center. Their budget custom sunroom addition cost $9,800 in total.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Sunroom #

• Year Round vs. Seasonal Use: A seasonal sunroom typically has single pane glass and screens and no central heating or air-conditioning. A sunroom designed for three or four season use, on the other hand, usually has an HVAC system in addition to wind and water protection. In warmer climates, a seasonal sunroom might be used year round.
• Whether you decide to install a two, three, or four season sunroom will to a large extent determine what type of windows (including single, double or triple paned, Low E, Argon filled, and tempered glass), wall structure (aluminum, clad, vinyl, or wood), flooring (wood, tile, stone, or imitation wood/stone), roof (solid, straight, slanted, or curved) and exposure (northern, southern, eastern, or western provide different amounts of sunlight) are appropriate.
• Kit vs. Custom Built: It's possible to purchase a pre-fabricated sunroom kit or have one custom built on site. The former are generally less expensive while the latter allow for more extensive customization (usually at greater cost).
• Extras: To help with temperature regulation you can install a ceiling fan, blinds and shades, and use a space heater. You'll probably also want to add artwork, curtains, furniture, and other decorative elements.
• Building Permits: Depending on where you live and the type of sunroom being installed, you may need to obtain a building permit. At any rate, be sure to contact the local planning department in order to make sure the structure complies with all codes.

Benefits of a Sunroom #

Sunrooms are a brilliant addition to any home for many reasons, including the following:

• Healthy Living: Studies have shown that ample amounts of sunlight and fresh improve well-being. A sunroom allows you to enjoy both while avoiding exposure to the elements.
• Green Heating: A sunroom doesn't have to be heated to warm your home. By allowing in extra sunlight, sunrooms provide a source of warmth that is especially welcome on cold winter days.
• Increase Home Value: The intrinsic value provided by a sunroom can't be overstated, as it provides an unbeatable place to relax and entertain. But(, it doesn't hurt that 60 to 70 percent of the cost of a sunroom can be recouped if you sell your home.

Does a Sunroom Addition Add Value to my Home? #

Adding a sunroom can increase the value and appeal of your home, but the return on investment depends on several factors:

Cost of the sunroom addition

• The typical price range for adding a sunroom addition is $15,000 to $50,000, with most homeowners spending $25,000 to $40,000 on average. Larger or more customized sunrooms can cost over $100,000.

Added resale value

• A sunroom addition can increase your home's resale value, but usually not by the full amount you invested. The added resale value ranges from 50-80% of the project cost.

• For a $40,000 sunroom addition, the expected added resale value is $20,000 to $32,000.

Enhanced living space

• Sunrooms add usable living space to enjoy year-round. This can command a premium price when selling the home.

• Sunrooms also allow more natural light into the home, which buyers tend to favor.

Factors impacting ROI

• Quality of design and construction
• Integration with existing home style and layout
• Climate and regional homebuyer preferences
• Overall housing market conditions

To maximize return on investment, work with an experienced contractor to create a sunroom tailored to your home's architecture and the local market. Avoid overbuilding. A mid-range sunroom addition tends to recoup costs better than ultra-high-end options.

Sources:

• Sunroom Enclosures
• Sunroom Addition Cost: The Pros And Cons Of Adding One
• Sunroom Living: Matt Fournier

Use Our Free Service and Compare Sunroom Companies Near You #